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Family mourns former JROTC member who died after using poisoned 'spice'

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Published  December 15, 2021 9:30pm EST
Hillsborough County
FOX 13 News

Sisters say brother used laced spice before he died

Justin Matthews reports

TAMPA, Fla. - More than 40 people have been hospitalized and two have died in Hillsborough County this week after using synthetic marijuana, also called ‘spice,’ that appears to have been laced with some sort of poison, according to the Florida Poison Control Center.

The sister of one of those who died says her brother was a funny, energetic, loving 28-year-old whose family is devastated by his loss.

Mia Rivera says her brother, Hector Rivera, was part of the JROTC at Plant High School and was working in construction after he graduated in 2012.

"He always made everybody laugh, he was always being dorky and quirky," said Mia.

Victim of bleeding from synthetic marijuana describes symptoms

After using synthetic marijuana, also known as spice, which is sold at convenience stores around the Bay Area, a woman says she's had to have blood transfusions and is still in the hospital.

PREVIOUS: Medical marijuana user hospitalized after turning to synthetic 'spice' due to cost

Hector's sisters say he was treated last week at the hospital, not knowing he had ingested poison when he used synthetic marijuana, which is illegal but sold on the street. 

After being treated, he used spice again. Hector’s girlfriend later found him on the floor, and he was taken back to the hospital. 

He died on Sunday.

Severe bleeding reported after using synthetic marijuana

Hillsborough detectives are trying to determine who laced a batch of synthetic marijuana with rat poison. Dozens of people are hospitalized and 2 have died.

PREVIOUS: Poison Control Center: 35 hospitalized for severe bleeding after using 'spice' in Hillsborough

"He was not aware that his body was poisoned. He was not aware that he was having a brain bleed as well as other side effects," said Alisha Murray, another of Hector’s sisters.

Rivera and Murray say Hector’s girlfriend is also in the hospital after consuming the poisonous spice.

"His girlfriend is also admitted at the hospital right now currently with internal bleeding as well.  She is the one who told us this place that she bought it from," said Murray and Rivera.

Family photos of Hector Rivera, who died after using synthetic marijuana

The poison control center says victims experience spontaneous nosebleeds, easy bruising, and other ailments after using the laced spice.

Local law enforcement says they are trying to get to the bottom of where the poisonous batch of spice is coming from.